Friday, August 2, 2013

In spite of 2 heart attacks….he transformed the lives of millions

Exam is essential for a student. It tests his
sincerity as well as preparedness. In our devotional journey we too are
examined by Krishna. On our way, we may encounter few hurdles; the hurdles are
just a test put for us by Krishna to check our commitment and eagerness for
devotional life. Sometimes the hurdle may appear to be like a vast ocean but if
we remain firm and continue practicing Krishna Consciousness with enthusiasm
then the ocean will become a small puddle of water for us.

Krishna provides a glimpse of his mercy
through the life of his pure devotees. Srila Prabhupada’s life is an example
for us to learn this principle. His spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
Saraswati Thakura, had instructed him to go to the west and preach Krishna
Consciousness to the western people. At that time he was just 26 years old. Throughout his life he struggled hard to
preach Krishna Consciousness in India but within his heart he always wanted to
fulfill the wish of his spiritual master. After a lot of struggle he got an
opportunity to travel to the west on a cargo ship. By this time he was about 70
years old but his zest to preach Krishna consciousness in the west was still there.
He was having just Rs. 40, no assurance of permanent place to stay, no close
relatives to take care, no guarantee of food. He had with him the priceless
position - a trunk load of spiritual books. On the ship he suffered from seasickness, dizziness
and loss of appetite. And then he suffered 2 massive heart attacks, the third
one would have killed him. But his resolve never waned. On the night of the 2nd
heart attack he saw Krishna in his dream. Krishna was rowing the boat and
assured him not to worry because he will take care of him.And henceforth the journey passed peacefully.

Srila Prabhupada transformed the lives of
millions of people all over the world.

·During a short span of 12 years
he opened 108 temples all over the world.

·He wrote and translated around
80 books which include translation of 60 volumes of classic Vedic literatures.

·He established ISKCON which has
today more than 600 centres all over the world.

·He founded BBT (Bhaktivedanta
Book Trust) which is today the world’s largest publisher of book on Vaisnava philosophy.

·He introduced Rath Yatra in the
western countries. Today in more than 100 major cities of the world Rath Yatra
festival is celebrated including London, New York, Washington, Moscow, Los
Angles, Durban, Dhaka and in several cities of India.

·He began BTG (Back To Godhead) magazine
in 1944 which is now published in several languages all over the world.

·Srila Prabhupada’s commentary
on Bhagavad – Gita has sold more than 3 crore copies and also have been translated
into around 87 languages.

Krishna through the life of Srila
Prabhupada has shown that obstacles in the life of a devotee may come but if
one is sincere and serious then Krishna personally takes charge of the life of
the devotee. So when next time we come across any hurdle
then we should not get bogged down by it but instead we should endeavour hard to
get over it. And we know that Krishna is always there to help us!